COMPARE AND CONTRAST
How to write an essay of
approximately 200 words in 45
minutes
Rls 2001
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
2
Comparisons = Similarities
Contrasts = Differences
Start your essay with an introduction.
eg X and Y are both cars. They
have (some / a few / many)
similarities. They also have
differences. Let me start with the
similarities.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
3
It is usual to start with the similarities but it is
not essential.
Useful terms to describe similarities:
Both A and B . . .
A and B both . . .
Like A, B . . .
Neither A nor B . . .
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
4
Here are some examples of these
expressions in use:
Both cars and bicycles are forms of
transport. They both have wheels, tyres
and brakes. Like cars, bicycles have gears.
Neither the former nor the latter can fly
or float on the water. They are normally
used to get from one place to another by
road. Cars and bicycles are both popular
ways of travelling.
Compare and Contrast
5
Now we turn to the differences: contrasts.
We can start a new paragraph with an
expression like
On the other hand there are several
differences between them.
or
However, there are several
differences between the two.
Compare and contrast
We can use comparatives to write about the
differences.
eg Cars are faster than bicycles and
are more expensive.
Bicycles are not as big as cars and
do not carry passengers.
Cars are also heavier.
6
Compare and contrast
7
We can also use these words to describe
differences:
while / whereas / whilst
Eg Cars need fuel to run while
bicycles do not.
A car can drive from Abu Dhabi to
Dubai in a short time whereas it would
take hours to complete the journey by
bike.
A bike is ridden whilst a car is driven.
Compare and Contrast
8
Your last paragraph will be a conclusion.
It should be two or more sentences and
summarize what you have written using
different words.
eg We have seen that cars and
bicycles have a few things in common.
However, there are more differences
between them than similarities.
Compare and Contrast
9
Review.
Your finished essay should look something like
this:
Paragraph 1
Introduction
Paragraph 2 Similarities
Paragraph 3 Differences
Paragraph 4 Conclusion.
rls 2001